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Instructions
1. Bake the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the washed and pierced potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Alternatively, you can microwave the potatoes for a quicker option—cook them for 5-8 minutes on high, flipping halfway through, until tender.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water to the meat and stir to combine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture thickens and is well seasoned.
3. Prepare the Toppings:
While the beef is cooking, prepare the toppings. Chop the green onions, slice the olives, and chop the cilantro. If you’re using jalapeños, slice them into thin rings. Set the toppings aside for later.
4. Assemble the Taco Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are done, carefully cut a slit down the center of each potato and gently fluff the insides with a fork. Top each potato with a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef mixture.
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese) over the beef, and return the potatoes to the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Add the Toppings:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the potatoes from the oven and add your favorite taco toppings. Top each potato with sour cream, salsa, green onions, black olives, cilantro, and jalapeños, if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Taco Potatoes warm, and enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish! You can also serve them with a side of guacamole or chips for the ultimate taco-inspired meal.
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for black beans, lentils, or a veggie crumble to create a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy version: For more heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle chili powder over the potatoes before baking. You can also add diced chilies to the beef mixture.
- Use sweet potatoes: For a slightly sweeter twist, try using sweet potatoes instead of russets. They pair wonderfully with taco seasonings.
- Make it a taco bar: Set up a taco bar with all the toppings on the side so everyone can customize their own Taco Potato with their favorite ingredients.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or diced tomatoes to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love Taco Potatoes
- Comfort food with a twist: This dish combines the comforting texture of baked potatoes with the bold flavors of tacos, creating a fun and satisfying meal.
- Perfect for taco night: Taco Potatoes are an exciting alternative to the classic taco, making them a fun way to shake up your taco night routine.
- Great for feeding a crowd: The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger group, making it an excellent choice for gatherings, family dinners, or meal prepping.
Taco Potatoes are a delicious and creative way to enjoy the flavors of tacos in a new format. With their combination of crispy, baked potatoes and savory taco toppings, these loaded potatoes will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you serve them as a main dish or a side, they’re sure to please everyone at the table!
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